WaterVerge

Is La Coste, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: TX1630004
Overall Score
88.9 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#69 of 1067 in Texas Top 20% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88.9/100
waterverge.com
A- 88.9/100

La Coste, TX — Water Quality Report

La Coste's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,488 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about La Coste's water

La Coste ranks #69 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

La Coste relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, La Coste may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88.9 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is La Coste, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

La Coste's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,488 residents using groundwater (wells).

4
Active Violations
4.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for La Coste

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into La Coste's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Disaster
TROPICAL STORM ALEX

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3313). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE RITA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1606). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for La Coste's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 4.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

La Coste's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2020 Chlorine Resolved
Jul 2016 Chlorine Resolved
Dec 2014 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2013 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Medina County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Medina Rv At La Coste, Medina Rv Nr Macdona.

TROPICAL STORM ALEX
Hurricane FEMA DR-3313
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA DR-1606

Where does La Coste's water come from?

La Coste's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,488 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Medina Rv At La Coste (river), Medina Rv Nr Macdona (river).

What La Coste residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in La Coste's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
4.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 31% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

11
Total violations
0
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Oct 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

11 Total
4 Active
0 Health-based
7 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
6
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Total Coliform Rule
1
Oct 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2010 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2020 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2020
Jul 2016 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2016
Apr 2013 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2013
Jan 2013 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2013
Jul 2010 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2010
Jun 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2009
Oct 2008 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Medina County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
26.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

2
Declared disasters
Jun 2010
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Medina County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jun 2010
TROPICAL STORM ALEX
Hurricane FEMA #3313
Sep 2005
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA #1606

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 4.6 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 2.8 ppb from 1993 (1.8 ppb) to 2024 (4.6 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,488
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where La Coste's water comes from

Groundwater

La Coste's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,488 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near La Coste

La Coste is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Medina Rv At La Coste
river
Medina Rv Nr Macdona
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving La Coste

System Name PWSID Population Source
CITY OF LA COSTE TX1630004 1,488 GW
Regional Comparison

How La Coste compares

Full Texas rankings →

La Coste's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

La Coste (this city)
88.9
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
City Profile

About La Coste, TX

Wikipedia →

La Coste is a city in Medina County, Texas, United States. As of the 2020 census, La Coste had a population of 1,077. It is part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area.

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Frequently asked questions

Is La Coste, TX tap water safe to drink?

La Coste's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #69 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in La Coste's water?

Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.

How is La Coste's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in La Coste?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does La Coste's water come from?

La Coste's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,488 residents.

Is La Coste's groundwater at risk of contamination?

La Coste uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 11 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does La Coste's water compare to other cities?

La Coste ranks #69 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 94% of state cities) and #3173 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does La Coste's small water system affect quality?

La Coste's system serves approximately 1,488 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 11 violations on record.